WORCESTER - A new pantry is providing food for veterans and active service members who are in need.

The pantry is run by Project New Hope, and all you need is a form of Military I.D. to pickup some food. Saturday was the first day Project New Hope opened their doors to the pantry, and Executive Director Bill Moore said there has already been a steady number of vets taking advantage of the service.

Moore said motivation to start the pantry was simple: the need is huge. 

"A lot of our men and women that served or are currently serving have food insecurities that there isn't just enough money to make it through the whole month until the next check comes in. So we started asking questions if there were any food insecurities here. We found out there is a big need and the V.A. [Veterans Affairs] is starting to identify that as well when the veterans come into the Worcester V.A. up on Lincoln St. and asking about food insecurities," Moore said. 

The pantry is open the first and third Saturdays of each month. Project New Hope also has a baby pantry with clothing, diapers and other childcare essentials.